Few forms of entertainment have the power to move audiences, to a shrill and shriek, to a shake and shiver as a live band can. Hairs on the backs of necks stand tall for college rock's local finest.

The area may not sprout hedonistic rituals between fans and local lounge acts, but aggressive followings still exist. And this musical courtship among fans and musicians does not discriminate against the younger-than-21 crowd.

"It's kind of like people are attracted to the obscure, but I'm biased because we can't get into the bars," said Tara Cunningham (sophomore-business logistics), Asylum treasurer. "I get involved with a lot of members of bands. I'm friends with the Imploding Organic Avoidable."

For Junction members, age has no relevance in an ability to comprehend their thoughts and expressions.

"One thing that brings people out is we only play all-age shows. We're under 21 and we wouldn't want to be alienated. We just don't want to alienate people," said Garrett Rothman, bassist in Junction.

Despite little publicity and shared billing, there are distinct followings.

"There's a crowd that follows all the alternative bands that come in. You see the same people at the alternative shows," said Jackie Davie (sophomore-physics), Asylum president.

When the Marshall stacks are unplugged and the platform shoes untied, the party still continues between audience and performer. Many fans enjoy friendships with local band members that go beyond sitting in on the sound check.

"There was this band, My Sick Friends, and last year they were hitting on the crew and we invited them to a party afterward," Davie said. "I don't know if they ever showed up."

For each underage show, the crowd dresses to fit the music and style behind it. Fitting into a band's following sometimes means zipping up something in black.

"A lot of people try to be as alternative as possible," Davie said. "The females wear black tights, skirts and leather jackets. It's the accepted alternative dress for the area. Each band has a certain following."

At the local bar scene, students have more than one option as to who they throb and contort to. But many only sit down and drink with certain bands.

"If I had a choice, I'd see the Screaming Ducks," said Dustin Armstrong (senior-environmental resource management). "I'm a big fan of classic rock."

Armstrong said he has seen the Screaming Ducks between 25 and 30 times in the last three years.

"Queen Bee, Crazy Daze and Screaming Ducks all have tremendous followings," said Dan, a doorman at Cafe 210 West, 210 W. College Ave., who declined to give his last name.

As audiences smile to their favorite noise, the bands think of their followings as purely cool.

"It's nice. It feels good to show up every week and play in front of a packed bar," said Jim Cochran, guitarist for The Sounding.

Some attribute their following to a heady environment where people can just connect and be.

"We're very proud of our following and grateful for the support they give us. We create an environment, that's a very positive type of energy," said Eric Gross of Crazy Daze. "It's a unique social gathering."

Enjoying more than your average following, Coda has many female fans.

"Coda has a real big groupie scene. It's a real big thing to get invited to their parties after hours," Dan said.

"We have a large female following. That's part of why we do this -- for the attention," said T.G. Crane, bassist and keyboard player for Coda. "People try to pick us up all the time."

The groupie scenario can also be attributed to healthy alcohol consumption.

"Most of the time when it happens people were drunk," Cochran said. "Sometimes there will be people waiting around after the show. It could be anything like I think you're a good musician to a little more."